Sony Creative Software has announced the availability of Sony’s new multi-codec video encoder for Blu-ray Disc authoring developed in conjunction with Sony Electronics and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Originally announced by Sony Electronics at NAB 2008, the BAE-VX1000 encoder is priced to bring high-speed, high-quality Blu-ray Disc authoring within reach of smaller studios.

“As Blu-ray Discs become consumers’ high-definition format of choice,
industry demand for affordable and powerful studio encoding tools is
rapidly expanding,” said Dave Chaimson, Sony Creative Software vice
president of global marketing. “The BAE-VX1000 encoder was designed to
meet the changing needs of the growing professional encoder market. It
can decrease total encoding time by up to 30 percent over the previous
Sony BAE-VA700 solution through enhancements such as parallel capturing
and pre-processing and increased encoding algorithm efficiency.”

Multiple Format Compatibility
A multi-codec design enables BAE-VX1000 encoder compatibility with most
common Blu-ray authoring applications, such as Sony Creative Software’s
Blu-print. It offers the option of using H.264 AVC or MPEG-2 technology
to give production professionals more flexibility, depending on their
project deadlines, client preferences or individual workflow
requirements. MPEG-2 encoding for traditional DVD authoring is also
available in the BAE-VX1000 encoder.

Auto Customize Function
To shorten recording times, the BAE-VX1000 offers an Auto Customize
function. This can automatically detect parts of the picture that are
difficult to encode, then perform multiple encoding using up to five
possible bit rates set up in advance. When two-pass encoding of the
entire title is finished, users can review these multiple versions and
select the most suitable one based on its picture quality and disc size.

Frame-by-Frame Customization
Each encoding parameter can be customized frame-by-frame for best
picture quality. The graphical user interface shifts to another color
to indicate where the parameters have changed. After customization,
segment encoding allows users to input the smallest range required for
re-encoding. This delivers optimum picture quality in the shortest time
by avoiding the need to re-encode the entire title.

Scalable Three-speed Configuration
Engineered to suit individual production needs, the BAE-VX1000 offers
multiple settings to give Blu-ray Disc producers the most flexibility,
while not compromising picture quality. An “Express” mode supports AVC
real-time encoding with one PC, when encoding speed is the top
priority. When using additional networked processors, “Fast” and
“Quality” modes are also available to meet higher performance and
quality requirements. The BAE-VX1000 also offers a built in real-time
AVC elementary stream decoder that improves the efficiency of quality
checking procedures.

Supports Single and Multiple PC Networks for Optimum Studio Flexibility
The BAE-VX1000 encoder can support a simple and affordable single PC
configuration that can accomplish AVC encoding in real-time, which is
ideal for smaller production houses. The encoder can also be easily
expanded to a networked distributed processing configuration, offering
large-scale studio encoding studios a new and affordable tool for
greater operational flexibility.

Pricing and Availability
The BAE-VX1000 encoder is offered as a turn-key system priced at
$55,000 U.S. The system is compatible with 64-bit operating systems on
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, XP and Vista.